4/20/2004:
MOBILE TOPOL-M TESTED AT MAXIMUM RANGE ITAR-TASS reported that the Strategic
Rocket Forces (SRF) successfully test-launched a Topol-M [NATO designation SS-27
'Sickle'] intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a transporter erector
launcher (TEL) at the Plesetsk Test Site in Arkhangelsk
Oblast on 20 April 2004. The launch, one of at least 10 ICBM tests planned by
the SRF in 2004, sought to confirm the reliability and operational capabilities of the missile
complex.[1] The first
test launch of the mobile variant of the Topol-M took place in September 2000.[2]
According to Yuriy Solomonov, director of the Moscow Institute of Thermal
Technology, which designed the Topol-M, the launch from Plesetsk tested the
Topol-M at its maximum range of approximately 11,000km (approximately
6,830 miles). As a result, the dummy warhead struck a target in neutral waters
of the Pacific Ocean to
the south of the Aleutian Islands.[2,3,4] Due to the technical demands
involved, this reportedly was the first time since 1988 that Russia undertook
such a test.[3] Following the launch, which evidently made use of the same
new experimental
defense-penetrating warhead first tested during the
Security 2004 command and staff
training exercise, Defense Minister Sergey
Ivanov informed President Vladimir Putin during a cabinet meeting that the military intends
to conduct one more test launch of the mobile Topol-M in the near future, at
which point a decision will be taken to make the system operational.[5,6]
Solomonov believes that the first SRF regiment outfitted with the mobile Topol-M
might be able to enter into service in 2006.[7] According to Kommersant, the
successful test of the missile at its maximum range means that a decision to
re-equip the 51st Missile Division in Irkutsk with the mobile Topol-M in theory
would allow Russia to target Alaska and the West Coast, while a decision to
station these missiles at the 7th and 54th Missile Divisions, located
respectively in Vypolzovo (Tver Oblast) and Teykovo (Ivanov Oblast), would mean
that Russia could target the entire US Eastern Seaboard.[4]
[For more information on the new defense-penetrating warhead being tested on the
Topol-M, please see the 2/20/2004 entry in the
ICBM Force/SRF General Developments section.] Sources:
[1] "Raketnyye voyska strategicheskogo naznacheniya uspeshno proveli
ispytatelnyy pusk rakety 'Topol-M' mobilnogo bazirovaniya," ITAR-TASS, 20 April
2004;
in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
[2] Veronika Romanenkova, "Putin otsenil ispytaniya novoy ballisticheskoy rakety
mobilnogo bazirovaniya 'Topol-M', kak 'etapnoye sobytiye' v vooruzhennykh silakh,"
ITAR-TASS, 26 April 2004;
in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
[3] Sergey Babkin, "Ispytatelnyy pusk rakety 'Topol-M' s mobilnoy puskovoy
ustanovki provodilsya na maksimalnuyu dalnost - 11 tysyach kilometrov,"
ITAR-TASS, 25 April 2004;
in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
[4] Ivan Safronov, "Topolinyy plyukh," Kommersant, No. 073, 22 April
2004;
in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
[5] Veronika Romanenkova, "V Rossii zavershayutsya ispytaniya rakety 'Topol-M'
mobilnogo bazirovaniya, posle chego kompleks vstanet na vooruzheniye," ITAR-TASS,
26 April 2004;
in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
[6] Olga Bozhyeva, "Topolinyy pukh," Moskovskiy komsomolets, No. 23554,
22 April 2004;
in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
[7] Sergey Babkin, "Letnyye ispytaniya strategicheskogo raketnogo kompleksa 'Topol-M'
s mobilnoy puskovoy ustanovkoy budut zaversheny v tekushchem godu,"
ITAR-TASS, 26 April 2004;
in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
{Entered EMC 5/3/2004} 2/18/2004:
TOPOL, SS-19 TESTED DURING EXERCISE As part of the Security 2004 command and staff training exercise, the
Strategic Rocket Forces, together with
the Space Forces,
undertook two launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Both
launches, one from the Plesetsk Test Site in Arkhangelsk Oblast and one from the
Baykonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, proved successful. The RT-2PM Topol
[NATO designation SS-25 'Sickle'] ICBM propelled from a mobile launcher at
Plesetsk and the UR-100NUTTKh [NATO designation SS-19 'Stiletto'] ICBM launched from Baykonur destroyed their targets at the Kura testing ground on the Kamchatka
Peninsula.[1] The launch of the Topol was notable for its
use of a new experimental
defense-penetrating warhead, while the SS-19 tested the ability of
the military to conduct remote launches.[2,3] Sources:
[1]
Konstantin Lantratov, "Chto i kuda zapuskali kosmicheskiye voyska,"
Kommersant, No. 030, 19 February 2004;
in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
[2] Dmitriy Litovkin, "Giperzvukovaya 'koala',"
Izvestiya, No. 032 (26589), 20
February 2004;
in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
[3] Vladislav Kuznetsov, "Zapushchennaya s Baykonura raketa RS-18 'vne
konkurentsii' po vozmozhnostyam preodoleniya lyubykh sistem protivoraketnoy
oborony," ITAR-TASS, 18 February 2004;
in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
{Entered 3/1/2004 EMC}
12/5/2003: SUCCESSFUL SS-19 ICBM TEST
LAUNCH On 5 December 2003, ITAR-TASS, citing the press service of the
Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF), reported a test
launch of a UR-100NUTTKh [NATO designation SS-19 'Stiletto'] intercontinental
ballistic missile (ICBM) from the
Baykonur Cosmodrome
in Kazakhstan. The missile, deployed for the past 25 years, is reported to
have reached successfully its target at the Kura testing ground on the Kamchatka
Peninsula. The purpose of the test launch was to confirm the reliability of the
UR-100NUTTKh in order to extend the service life of the entire class of
missiles.[1] The Space Forces
monitored all stages of the test launch with the help of the Missile Attack Warning System and
Space Monitoring System.[2] Sources: [1] "Uchebno-boyevoy pusk ballisticheskoy rakety 'Stilet'
podtverdil vysokuyu tekhnicheskuyu gotovnost kompleksa," ITAR-TASS, 5 December
2003; in Integrum Techno,
http://www.integrum.com.
[2] "S Baykonura proizveden ispytatelnyy pusk rakety RS-19 'Stilet',"
Obozrevatel, 5 December 2003; in Integrum Techno,
http://www.integrum.com. {Entered 2/13/2004 TS}
3/27/2003: TOPOL
LAUNCH FROM PLESETSK On 27 March 2003, a combined Space
Forces and Strategic Rocket Forces launch crew conducted a launch of a Topol
ICBM [NATO designation SS-25 'Sickle'] from the Plesetsk
Test Site. The missile was launched from a mobile launcher vehicle. It was the
43rd training Topol
launch from Plesetsk,
and 79th Topol
launch in all. The test was a part of a larger exercise intended to test the viability and survivability of mobile ICBM systems. ["Kosmicheskimi
voyskami i RVSN proveden pusk MBR 'Topol'," Regions.Ru, 27 March 2003; in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.]
{Entered 8/8/2003 MJ}
12/10/2002: SS-19 LAUNCH FROM BAYKONUR
On 10 December 2002, a UR-100NUTTKh [NATO designation SS-19 'Stiletto'] ICBM was
launched from the Baykonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. At the time of launch the
missile was more than 25 years old.[1] The missile was launched in full
six-warhead configuration. The dummy warheads landed on the Kura range on the
Kamchatka peninsula.[2] Sources:
[1] "S kosmodroma Baykonur uspeshno osushchestvlen pusk mezhkontinentalnoy
ballisticheskoy rakety," ITAR-TASS, 10 December 2002; in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
[2] "Uchebno-boyevoy pusk mezhkontinentalnoy rakety zavershilsya udachno,"
Regions.Ru Web Site, 10 December 2002; in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
{Entered 1/10/2003 MJ}
10/12/2002: TOPOL TESTED DURING MILITARY EXERCISES
Interfax, citing the
Ministry of Defense, reported on 12
October 2002 that the Strategic Rocket
Forces (SRF) and the Space Forces
test-launched a Topol[NATO
designation SS-25 'Sickle']
intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the
Plesetsk Test Site as part
of a larger military training exercise.[1]
The test of the ICBM from a self-propelled launcher sought to confirm the reliability of the Topol
missile, which was first deployed 12 years ago.[2] It also simulated combat conditions
for the crews from the Novosibirsk SRF division tasked with
undertaking the launch.[3] The Space Forces monitored all stages of the launch
and concluded that the missile hit its target at the Kura testing ground on the
Kamchatka Peninsula with the desired accuracy.[4]
Sources:
[1] "V Rossii v odin den osushchestvleny puski ballisticheskikh raket
nazemnogo, morskogo i vozdushnogo bazirovaniya," Interfax, 12 October 2002.
[2] "Rossiyskiye raketchiki proveli uspeshnyy uchebno-boyevoy pusk
mezhkontinentalnoy rakety 'Topol'," Interfax, 12 October 2002.
[3] Dmitriy Litovkin, "V vozdukhe, na sushe i na more," Izvestiya, No.
187, 15 October 2002;
in
Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
[4] "S kosmodroma Plesetsk uspeshno proveden pusk mezhkontinentalnoy
ballisticheskoy rakety 'Topol'," UNIAN, No. 040 (232), 7-13 October 2002. {Entered
11/19/2002 EMC}
6/6/2002: MOBILE TOPOL-M LAUNCH
On 6 June 2002 a Topol-M
missile was launched from a mobile launcher at the
Plesetsk test site. The missile's dummy warhead struck the Kura
proving ground on the Kamchatka
peninsula.[1] It was the second test launch of the mobile variant of the
missile. The first took place in September 2000.[2] Sources:
[1] "Zapushchennaya s kosmodroma Plesetsk raketa 'Topol-M' porazila tsel na
poligone 'Kura'," Interfax, 6 June 2002.
[2] Vladislav Kuznetsov, ITAR-TASS, 4 June 2002; in "Tests continue of new Russian mobile ICBM
launcher," FBIS Document CEP20020604000219. {Entered 8/26/2002 MJ}
11/2/2001: SS-25 TOPOL
TEST LAUNCH Interfax
reported that an RT-2PM [NATO designation SS-25 'Sickle'] Topol ICBM was
launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome and successfully reached its target at
the Kura testing ground in Kamchatka. The reported purpose of the launch
was to test the reliability of the missile's pre-launch, set-up, and firing
procedures. ["Ocherednoy pusk
MBR 'Topol' vypolnen uspeshno," Interfax, 2 November 2001. {Entered 5/9/2002
RG}
10/26/2001: SS-19 TESTED WITH
SINGLE WARHEAD Kommersant reported that a
UR-100NUTTKh [NATO designation SS-19 'Stiletto'] ICBM was launched on 26
October 2001 from the Baykonur Cosmodrome
in Kazakhstan, and 25 minutes later successfully hit its target at the Kura
proving ground in Kamchatka. The ICBM was tested with a single warhead
instead of the normal payload of six. Such warhead downloading is
permitted for part of Russia's SS-19 force under
START II.
["Combat Training.
The Strategic Missile Force Launches Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles,"
Kommersant, 27 October 2001, p. 3; inWPS Oborona i bezopasnost, 31
October 2001; in
Universal Database of Russian Military and Security Periodicals,
http://online.eastview.com/. {Entered 5/8/2002 RG}
7/31/2001: SRF DENIES REPORTS OF TOPOL LAUNCH On 31 July 2001 the SRF press service denied reports
that have appeared in Western media of a Topol [NATO designation SS-25
'Sickle'] ICBM launch that allegedly took place in July 2001.[1] The SRF
press service's comments concerned a Washington Times report alleging
that in mid-July 2001, Russia launched a Topol ICBM whose last stage was
equipped with an experimental scramjet engine capable of reaching the speeds
in excess of Mach 5. According to the Washington Times article, the
scramjet test was conducted in the interests of developing countermeasures
to proposed US ballistic missile defense systems.[2] Sources: [1] "Raketnyye voyska strategicheskogo naznacheniya oprovergayut
informatsiyu britanskikh SMI ob ispytaniyakh mezhkontinentalnoy rakety
SS-25," RIA Novosti, 31 July 2001; in Integrum Techno, http://www.integrum.ru/. [2] Bill Gertz, "Moscow Tests New Missile," Washington Times,
30 July 2001, p. 1. {Entered 8/29/2001 MJ}
6/27/2001: SS-19 LAUNCH FROM BAYKONUR A UR-100NUTTKh [NATO designation SS-19 'Stiletto'] ICBM was test-launched on 27 June 2001 from the
Baykonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The test was successful, and the missile
struck its target at the Kura proving ground in Kamchatka. As a result of
the test, the SRF decided to extend the service life for this type of missile by
one year.[1]The newspaper Vremya novostey,
citing "informed sources," claimed that the launch was performed
to carry out an "atypical" mission, unrelated to the UR-100NUTTKh
lifespan extension program, under which the SRF removes three
UR-100NUTTKhs from service each year, performs a thorough analysis of two of the missiles,
and carries out a test launch using the third. Vremya novostey speculated
that the launch was carried out to test an anti-ABM configuration of the
missile, with the payload consisting of four warheads and an "ABM
penetration system," instead of the standard six warheads.[2] However, it is
also possible that if this test launch was in fact "atypical", its
purpose was to test
the START II-mandated single-warhead configuration of the UR-100NUTTKh. One
such test was conducted on 1 November 2000. Commenting on the test launch,
NPO Mashinostroyeniya (which designed the
UR-100NUTTKh) General Director Gerbert Yefremov praised the UR-100NUTTKh's qualities,
particularly its reputed ability to penetrate defense systems, which he
considers superior to those of the Topol-M. Yefremov also complained that the
government provided only 4% of funds needed by the UR-100NUTTKh maintenance
program in 2001.[3] Sources: [1] Ivan Safronov, "Moskva pokazala Vashingtonu Stilleto [sic],"
Kommersant, 28 June 2001; in Integrum Techno,
http://www.integrum.ru. [2] Yuriy Golotyuk,"'Urki' na strazhe Rodiny," Vremya novostey,
28 June 2001, p. 3; in WPS Oborona i Bezopasnost, 2 July 2001; in Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.ru. [3] "Zamenili luchshiye rakety na khudshiye," Segodnyashnyaya
gazeta, 28 June 2001; in Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.ru.
{Entered 8/28/2001 MJ}
2/16/2001: RS-12M TOPOL
(SS-25) ICBM LAUNCH FROM PLESETSK On 16 February 2001 an SRF missile crew launched an
RS-12M Topol ICBM from its mobile launcher at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The
missile launched was reportedly one of the first Topols to be produced. The
missile's dummy warhead landed at the Kura testing ground in Kamchatka.[1] The
launch was performed as part of the General
Staff's strategic command and staff exercise conducted from 13-16 February 2001.[2] Sources: [1] Sergey Derevyashkin, "77-y pusk 'Topolya',"
Krasnaya zvezda, 17 February 2001; in Integrum Techno, http://www.integrum.ru/. [2] Sergey Sokut, "Russia Won the War," Nezavisimaya gazeta,
24 February 2001, p. 1; in "Strategic Exercise Said To Show Resolve To
'Maintain Nuclear Parity'," FBIS Document CEP20010226000075. {Entered
3/20/2001 MJ}
11/1/2000: RS-18 (SS-19) SUCCESSFULLY TEST
LAUNCHED On 1 November 2000, the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF) test-launched an RS-18 [NATO designation SS-19 'Stiletto']
ICBM from the
Baykonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.[1] The RS-18 successfully reached
its target at the Kura testing ground in Kamchatka. SRF commander
Vladimir Yakovlev stated that the launch was intended to show the SRF's
readiness to honor Russia's START obligations and to test the effectiveness of
RS-18 modernization program, including their conversion to a single-warhead
variant.[1] The RS-18 was originally designed
to carry up to six
warheads.[2]
[1] Xinhua, 1 November 2000; in "Russia Test-Launches
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile," FBIS Document CPP200011010001111. [2] "Russia test-launches ballistic
missile," Associated Press, 2 November 2000; in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
{Entered 11/13/2000 RG}
10/11/2000: RS-12M TOPOL SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED, SERVICE LIFE EXTENDED
BY AT LEAST ONE YEAR On 11 October 2000 a RS-12M Topol [NATO designation
SS-25 'Sickle'] ICBM was successfully test launched from the Plesetsk
Cosmodrome and reached its target at the Kura testing ground.[1]
Strategic Rocket Forces Commander Vladimir Yakovlev stated that the test
launch verified the reliability and technical capabilities of the aging
Topol. According to Yakovlev, the 16-year-old missile will have its
service life extended by at least one year.[2]
Sources: [1] Yuriy Gavrilov, "'Topol'
po-prezhnemu nadezhen," Krasnaya zvezda, No. 196, 13 October 2000,
p. 1. [2] Boris Talov, "Kazhdyy 'Topol'
doletit kuda nado," Rossiyskaya gazeta, No. 198, 13 October 2000.
{Entered 11/21/2000 RG}
9/27/2000: SUCCESSFUL TEST LAUNCH OF TOPOL-M
MOBILE VARIANT Interfax reported that an RS-12M1 Topol-M [NATO
designation SS-27 'Sickle'] ICBM was successfully launched on 27 September
2000 from a transporter erector launcher (TEL) at the Plesetsk
Cosmodrome.[1]
The MZKT-79221, made in Minsk, was the TEL used to launch the missile.[2]
This was the first test of the mobile variant of the Topol-M. The
missile was launched at 12:50 Moscow Time from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome and
reached its target in Kamchatka at 13:14 Moscow Time. For more
information, see the 10/16/2000 entry in ICBM
Force/SRF General Developments.
Sources: [1] "RVSN v sredu proizveli ispytaniya
rakety 'Topol-M' mobilnogo bazirovaniya," Interfax, No. 3, 27 September 2000. [2] Ivan Safronov, "'Topol-M' stal
mobilnym," Kommersant, No. 181, 28 September 2000; in Integrum techno,
http://www.integrum.ru. {Entered 10/2/2000
RG}
9/26/2000: ELEVENTH SILO-BASED TOPOL-M TEST LAUNCH Interfax reported that on 26 September the Russian
Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF) successfully test launched a Topol-M [NATO
designation SS-27 'Sickle'] ICBM from the Plesetsk
Cosmodrome. SRF Press Service Chief
Colonel Ilshat Baychurin reported that the missile successfully hit its
target at the Kura testing ground on the Kamchatka Peninsula. This was
the 11th test launch of the silo-based variant, and Baychurin
stated that the mission of the test launch was the "verification of all
military capabilities of the rocket systems which are the foundation of Russia's
nuclear missile shield in the 21st century."
["RVSN uspeshno osushchestvili
ispytatelniy pusk mezhkontinentalnoy ballisticheskoy rakety 'Topol-M',"
Interfax, No. 2, 26 September 2000.]{Entered 9/28/2000 RG}
7/21/2000: MOBILE TOPOL-M TEST LAUNCH CANCELLED A Topol-M ICBM [NATO designation SS-27 'Sickle']
test launch scheduled for 21 July 2000 at the Plesetsk
Cosmodrome was abruptly cancelled, with no new test date specified.
It would have been the first test launch of the missile's mobile variant;
all Topol-M test launches to date used the silo-based variant.[1] Russian
Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF) representatives confirmed that a test launch
was indeed scheduled for 21 July 2000 but refused to explain the reason
for cancellation. Off the record, some SRF officers stated that the test
was cancelled at the last minute by the General Staff, and unofficial sources
at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome informed Russian journalists that they received
the order to cancel the test from the General Staff one day before the
planned launch. Since Chief of the General Staff Army General Anatoliy
Kvashnin recently proposed a drastically reducing
the SRF and eventually eliminating it as an independent branch of the military,
this has led to speculation that the cancellation was politically motivated.
The possibility of the test being cancelled due to technical problems has
also been raised.[2] However, sources close to the missile's general designer
unofficially claim that the postponement was caused by a desire to improve
several of the missile's systems.[3]
Sources: [1] Viktor Sokirko, "Zachekhlennye
rakety," Moskovskiy komsomolets, 21 July 2000, p.4.; in WPS Oborona i
Bezopasnost, No. 85. [2] Nikolay Petrov, "General Staff
Tells Missilemen to Put Test on Hold," Kommersant, 24 July 2000,
p.3; in "Speculation Topol-M Launch Cancellation Was Due to 'Technical
Fault'," FBIS Document CEP20000724000168. [3] "Launch of 'Topol-M' Mobile Strategic
Missile Posponed Indefinitely," Agentstvo Voyennykh Novostey, 25 July 2000;
in "'Topol-M' Launch Postponed Indefinitely," FBIS Document CEP20000725000537.{Entered
7/31/2000 MJ}
2/9/2000:TENTH TOPOL-M TEST LAUNCH On 9 February 2000 at 12:59 p.m. Moscow time, the
Russian Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF) carried out a test launch of the
Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a silo at the Plesetsk
Cosmodrome. It was the tenth test launch of the fifth generation ICBM,
carried out as part of the state flight test plan. The SRF press service
chief Colonel Ilshat Baychurin reported that the missile accurately
hit the target at the Kura testing ground. Baychurin also said that in
the course of the launch all control systems were tested under complicated
conditions. The SRF's early warning systems tracked the test launch and
reportedly demonstrated high combat readiness. The aim of the test was
to gather statistical information on the tactical and technical characteristics
of all the ICBM's systems.
["RVSN Rossii osushestvili ispytatelnyy
pusk mezhkontinentalnoy ballisticheskoy rakety 'Topol-M'," Interfax, 9
February 2000.] {Entered 2/14/00 EV}
12/14/99: NINTH TOPOL-M TEST
LAUNCH SUCCESSFUL On 14 December 1999, at 11:05 a.m. Moscow time, the
Russian Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF) launched a mobile single-warhead
Topol-M [NATO designation SS-27 'Sickle'] missile from a silo at the Plesetsk
testing ground. ITAR-TASS reported that less than 25 minutes later
the ICBM hit its target more than 5,500km to the east at the Kura test
range on the Kamchatka Peninsula.[1,2,3,4] The test marked the ninth
launch under the state testing program for the Topol-M missile. The Topol-M
has a range of 11,000km, is 22.7m long, 1.95m in diameter, and weighs
47.2MT .[2] According to Interfax, the aim of the test was to collect
statistical information on the tactical and technical characteristics of
the ICBM.[3] Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, present at the test site
during the missile launch, said that the launch demonstrated that Russia
remains a powerful nuclear state.[4] Kommersant Daily reported
that during Putin's visit to the Plesetsk testing ground, a Topol missile
and launcher overturned after a demonstration.[5]
Sources: [1] Michael McGuire, "Russian Chides
U.S. As New Missile Fired," Seattle Times, 15 December 1999; in
Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com [2] Agence France Presse, 14 December
1999; in "Putin Witnesses Test Launch of New Intercontinental Missile,"
Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com. [3] "Raketnyye voyska strategicheskogo
naznacheniya RF vo vtornik uspeshno osushestvili ispytatelnyy pusk mezhkontinentalnoy
ballisticheskoy rakety 'Topol-M,'" Interfax, 14 December 1999. [4] "Chechnya Action Drains Funds From
Russian Nuclear Upgrades," Aerospace Daily, Vol. 192, No. 54, 17
December 1999, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com. [5] Ivan Safronov, "Vtoroye ispytaniye
amerikanskoy sistemy PRO zakonchilos neudachey," Kommersant Daily,
20 January 2000; in WPS Oborona i Bezopasnost, 24 January 2000.{Entered
2/10/00 EV}
10/20/99: TWENTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD SS-19 SUCCESSFULLY
TESTED The Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF) launched an RS-18 [NATO designation SS-19
'Stiletto'] ICBM from the Baykonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The missile,
which can be armed with up to six warheads, had been in service for approximately
25 years. The reported aim of the test was to ensure that the missile could
function effectively despite its advanced age. The SRF press service reported
that all targets at the Kura test range on the Kamchatka Peninsula had
been hit. This was the second successful launch of an ICBM in less than
a month, prompting SRF Commander in Chief Vladimir Yakovlev to note the
excellent combat training of his servicemen. The press service stated further
that on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the SRF's founding, "Russia's
missile launch crews have once again confirmed their high level of combat
readiness and proven the reliability and effectiveness of the missiles
in the arsenal and the durability of Russia's nuclear
shield."[1] According to Kommersant-Daily, the launch was
originally planned for 12 October 1999, but was delayed due to technical
difficulties.[2] The launch took place the day before a scheduled
meeting in Moscow of Russian and American negotiators discussing the ABM
and START III treaties. Under the terms of the START II treaty, which
still must be ratified by the Russian Federal Assembly, Russia would be
limited to a total of 105 SS-19s, each with a single warhead.[3]
Sources: [1] "Na Baykonure uspeshno proveden
uchebno-boevoy zapusk mezhkontinentalnoy ballisticheskoy rakety RS-18,"
Interfax, 20 October 1999. [2] Ivan Safronov, "Vtoroye ispytaniye
amerikanskoy sistemy PRO zakonchilos neydachey," Kommersant Daily,
20 January 2000; in WPS Oborona i Bezopasnost, 24 January 2000. {revised
2/10/00 EV} [3] "Moscow Tests Ballistic Missile,"
Jamestown Monitor, Vol. V, No. 195, 21 October 1999. {Entered 11/10/99
lgm}
10/1/99: TOPOL TEST LAUNCH SUCCESSFUL On 1 October 1999, at 11:42 Moscow time, the Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF)
conducted a test of a mobile RS-12M Topol (NATO designation SS-25 'Sickle')
missile from the Plesetsk testing ground. One of the main aims of this
test was to find out whether the missile could still be relied upon, as
it had already been on combat duty for 15 years and its guaranteed service
life had expired five years previously.[1] The test was a complete success,
and the missile landed precisely on its target 10,000 kilometers away in
Kamchatka.[2] According to the SRF's press service, all 56 previous test
launches of the Topol missile have also been successful.[1] (The
test launch occurred on the same day that two SSBNs conducted test launches.
See the SLBM Test Launch File
for more information.)
Sources: [1] "RVSN uspeshno osushchestvili pusk strategicheskoy rakety,"
Interfax, 1 October 1999. [2] Moscow NTV in Russian, 1 October 1999; in "TV Views Background
to Topol-M Missile Launch Test," FBIS Document FTS19991002000263. {Entered
11/5/99 lgm}
9/3/99: EIGHTH TEST FLIGHT OF TOPOL-M SUCCESSFUL On 3 September 1999, at 1544 hours Moscow time, the eighth test launch
of a Topol-M [SS-27] silo-based missile was conducted. Interfax, citing
Russian military sources, stated that the flight was part of the state
testing program for the Topol-M missile and reported that the test was
successful. The test reportedly had the goal of collecting information
on the "tactical characteristics" of the ICBM. According to the commander
of the Strategic Rocket Forces, Colonel General Vladimir Yakovlev, the
missile's warhead hit the target on the Kamchatka peninsula with "high
accuracy."
[RVSN proizveli v pyatnitsu vosmoy ispytatelnyy pusk mezhkontinentalnoy
rakety 'Topol-M'," Interfax, 3 September 1999.]{Entered 9/23/99 jl}
6/3/99: TOPOL-M TEST LAUNCH
INCORPORATES EVASIVE MANEUVERS On 3 June 1999, at 1820 hours Moscow time, Russia
conducted a flight test of its RS-12M2 Topol-M [NATO designation SS-27
'Sickle'] ICBM, the seventh such test since December 1994. The missile
was launched from the Yuzhnaya-1 launch pad at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome
(Arkhangelsk Oblast) and hit its target at the Kura test range in Kamchatka
after 23 minutes and 48 seconds. The two sites are approximately 9,000km
(5,500 miles) apart.[1] The launch was unprecedented in that it tested
a "lateral antimissile maneuver," the main object of which was to simulate
avoiding antimissile defense systems. Colonel General Vladimir Yakovlev,
commander-in-chief of Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF), explained:
"Problems have now arisen with the 1972 Russian-US ABM Treaty, and therefore
we have been obliged to incorporate into our new missiles the potential
to overcome antimissile defense systems." In addition, it was the first
time that the missile was equipped with the "terminator" navigation system.
The "terminator" system uses the Glonass satellite navigation system, enabling
the missile to "know" its exact position throughout its flight and communicate
that information back to the ground.
[Yuriy Golotyuk, "On the Other
Hand, We do Make Missiles: Russia's Nuclear Forces Being Equipped with
'Terminators,' Izvestiya, 5 June 1999, p.1; in FBIS Document FTS19990608000253]{entered
7/15/99 kj, jl}
4/21/99: CONVERTED RS-20 ICBM BOOSTER LAUNCHES
UK SATELLITE On 21 April 1999 the Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF)
launched the first converted RS-20 (NATO designation SS-18 Satan) booster
rocket, the Dnepr-1, from the Baykonur cosmodrome. The Dnepr-1 was carrying
a British research satellite. The SRF has about 180 RS-20 missiles that
are scheduled for destruction by 2002 if the START II Treaty is ratified.
About 150 missiles can be converted into boosters for launching communications
satellites weighing up to 4MT. Kosmotras, an international space
company, ordered the launch as part of the Russian-Ukrainian Dnepr program.
ITAR-TASS reported that Russia and Ukraine could launch between 4 and 8
Dnepr boosters per year, if they gain access to the international launch
vehicle market.[1] In an interview with ITAR-TASS on 21 April, Deputy
Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces Vladimir Nikitin
stated that the successful launch indicated that all Russian ICBMs removed
from service should be converted into commercial space boosters rather
than destroyed.[2]
Sources: [1] Nikolay Novichkov, ITAR-TASS, 21
April 1999; in "Launch of UK Satellite First on Russian SS-18 Booster,"
FBIS Document FTS19990421000078. [2] ITAR-TASS, 21 April 1999; in "Space
Chief: ICBMs Useful as Booster Rockets," FBIS Document FTS19990421001943.{entered
5/28/99 cm}
12/10/98: SS-19 ICBM
TEST LAUNCH FROM PLESETSK On 10 December the Russian Strategic Rocket Force
(SRF) reported that it had successfully launched an RS-22 (NATO designation
SS-24 Scalpel) ICBM from the Plesetsk test site. According to Interfax,
the SS-24 was launched from a mobile railway launcher. The test was
the last in 1998, and was part of the program to extend the service life
of ICBMs.
["Russia Makes Ballistic Missile Test
Launch," Interfax, 10 December 1998] {Entered 12/17/98 jl}
12/10/98: TOPOL-M TEST REPORTEDLY AIDED PENTAGON In an article in Kommersant-Daily following
the successful sixth test launch of the Topol-M missile
on 8 December, the newspaper maintained that an experiment on behalf of
the US military was conducted during the test flight. The reported purpose
of the experiment was to analyze the effects of a nuclear explosion on
radio communications. In preparation for the experiment, the missile was
allegedly modified by installing a plasma generator and a radio wave generator
on board, in addition to the dummy warhead. During the missile's flight
through the ionosphere both generators were switched on, while a US MSX
surveillance satellite reportedly recorded the experiment's results in
both the visual and ultraviolet bands.[1] The paper reported that the US
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) had paid $100,000 toward
the cost of the flight. Commander of the Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF),
Colonel General Vladimir Yakovlev and Yuriy Solomonov, the head of the
Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology, which produces the Topol-M, both
denied that such an experiment had been conducted.[1,2,3]
Sources: [1] Ivan Safronov, "'Topol-M' porabotal
na blago Pentagona," Kommersant-Daily, 10 December 1998; in Russia
On-Line, http://www.online.ru. [2] "Missile Troops Commander in Chief
Takes Issue with Kommersant," Kommersant, 16 December 1998, p. 3;
in "Gen. Yakovlev 'Unhappy' with Kommersant 10 Dec Article," FBIS Document
FTS19981217000291. [3] "Soobshcheniye Press-sluzhby,"
Press-sluzhba Ministerstva oborony RF, 11 December 1998. {Entered 5/31/00
LGM}
12/8/98: SIXTH TEST
LAUNCH OF TOPOL-M ICBM SUCCESSFUL On 8 December 1998 the sixth test launch of a Topol-M
ICBM (NATO designation SS-27) was carried out at the Plesetsk test site.
The missile successfully flew on its assigned trajectory, impacting in
the Kamchatka test range. The test was the last before certifying
the missile as combat-ready and Strategic Rocket Forces Commander Colonel-General
Vladimir Yakovlev stated that the first regiment equipped with the Topol-M
would go on duty in 1998.
["Russia Carries Out Test Launch of
New Strategic Missile," Interfax, 9 December 1998.]{Entered 12/19/98 jl}
10/22/98: TOPOL-M MISSILE EXPLODES DURING TEST On 22 October 1998, a test launch of a Topol-M (NATO
designation SS-27) missile was conducted at the Plesetsk missile test site
in northern Russia. According to initial official reports the purpose
of the launch was to test the missile's self-destruction system, and the
missile was successfully destroyed shortly after launch.[1] Subsequent
press reports indicated that the missile's explosion was due to an unordered
triggering of the self-destruct system.[2,3] The detonation apparently
occurred shortly after the first-stage burnout, possibly due to the failure
of the second stage engine.[4] This was the first test flight of
the missile on a "sloping" trajectory, reportedly the first time such a
trajectory had ever been attempted.[4,2] The missile debris reportedly
landed in the Arkhangelsk region, where helicopters conducted a search
for wreckage.[3,5] A state commission was formed to examine the reasons
for the failure. Colonel General Anatoliy Sitnov, head of the Russian
Armed Forces armament department, told ITAR-TASS that "we have no doubts
about the missile."[6] General Vladimir Yakovlev, head of the strategic
rocket forces (SRF), told Interfax that a sixth test of the Topol-M would
be conducted in November 1998, and that the schedule for deploying 10 Topol-M
missiles by the end of 1998 would be fulfilled.[7]
Sources: [1] Ilshat Baychurin, "Ocherednoy
pusk rakety 'Topol-M'," Krasnaya zvezda, 24 October 1998, p. 1. [2] Sergey Sokut, "Ispytaniya
'Topol-M' prodolzhatsya," Nezavisimaya gazeta, 24 October 1998,
http://www.ipres.ru/news/ng/98/10/data/n199-27.htm. [3] "Yadernaya sila samolikvidirovalas,"
Kommersant-Daily, 24 October 1998, http://win.www.online.ru/rprodcuts/commersant-daily-month/ 24-Oct-98/11177445.DOC.rhtml. [4] "Fifth RM-12M2 Topol-M test flight
ends in failure," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, November 1998, pp.
10-11. [5] Viktor Litovkin, "Obnovleniye strategicheskikh
sil otkladyvayetsya," Izvestiya, 24 October 1998,http://www.online.ru/rproducts/izvestia- izvestiya-year/24-Oct-98/2.html. [6] ITAR-TASS, 27 October 1998;
in "Russian Military Official Comments on Topol-M Missile Issue," FBIS-UMA-98-300. [7] "Commander: Topol-M Missiles
to be Supplied to Strategic Rocket Forces," Interfax, 26 October 1998.
{Entered 12/15/98 jl} 10/7/98: SS-19 STILETTO
ICBM LAUNCHED FROM BAYKONUR On 7 October 1998 the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces
successfully launched an RS-18 (NATO designation SS-19 Stiletto) ICBM from
the Baykonur test site in Kazakhstan to the Kamchatka test range.
The missile had been in service with the SRF for twenty years. The test
was part of a program to confirm the combat readiness of older ICBMs and
to collect information on extending their service life. The launch
was the third successful ICBM test of the year.
[Boris Yamshanov, "Dumali--starushka,
a poletala--kak molodaya," Rossiskaya gazeta, 10 October 1998, p.
1.]{Entered 12/15/98 jl}
9/16/98: SS-25 TOPOL TEST
LAUNCH SUCCESSFUL On 16 September 1998 the Russian Strategic Rocket
Forces successfully launched an RS-12M (NATO designation SS-25) ICBM from
the Plesetsk test site to the Kamchatka test range. The missile had
been in service for ten years before the launch and the test was part of
a program to extend the service life of the Topol missile system.
The SRF press service noted that all 57 previous flight tests of the Topol
system had been successful.
["Russia Launches Intercontinental
Ballistic Missile," Interfax, 16 September 1998.] {Entered 12/15/98
jl}
4/15/98: SUCCESSFUL TEST LAUNCH OF SS-18 ICBM On 15 April 1998 Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces launched an RS-20 [NATO
designation SS-18 'Satan'] from the Baykonur Cosmodrome. The rocket's 10
warheads successfully hit their individual targets on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
SRF Commander Colonel General Vladimir Yakovlev attributed the ICBM's successful
test to a high level of professionalism in the strategic forces. This test
was a successful demonstration of the long service life of the SS- 18.
Like many of Russia's ICBMs, it has been in active service for nearly 20
years.
[Vyacheslav Davidenko, "'Satana' byet bez promakha," Krasnaya
zvezda, 17 April 1998, p. 1.]
10/3/97: REDUT-97 EXERCISE INCLUDES TOPOL
MISSILE TEST The Strategic Rocket Forces' "Redut-97"
exercise included a successful launch of an RS-12M Topol (NATO name
SS-25 "Sickle") ICBM from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. The Topol was launched
at 10:17 AM Moscow time on 3 October 1998 and hit its target in an impact
area in Kamchatka. This launch was the 71st test firing of the RS-12M.[1,2]
Sources: [1] Arkadiy Ukrainskiy and Aleksandr
Nosov, "Prisyaga" Military Program, RTV, 12 October 1997, in "Redut-97
Strategic Missile Exercises end Successfully," FBIS-TAC-97-287. [2] Aleksandr Dolinin, "Do Not Take
Topol for Granted," Krasnaya zvezda, 10 October 1997, p.1;
in "Topol Missile Launched from Plesetsk," FBIS-UMA-97-283.{Entered 7/23/98
FW}
7/8/97: TOPOL-M TEST-LAUNCHED FROM PLESETSK An RS-12M1/2 Topol-M (NATO name SS-X-27) ICBM was
successfully launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome at 3:25 PM Moscow time
on 8 July 1997. This launch was the fourth test launch of the Topol-M
and was personally supervised by the SRF commander-in-chief, Colonel-General
Vladimir Yakovlev, who commented, "The fourth Topol-M launch on Tuesday
showed that despite inadequate funding, the Rocket Forces' priority missile
development program is being successfully implemented."[1,2] Two spent
stages of the missile impacted near the reservoir for the village of Siya
(Arkhangelsk Region), raising concerns over potential contamination of
the village's water supply. [3]
Sources: [1] Anatoliy Yurkin, ITAR-TASS, 8 July
1997; in "New Russian ICBM Successfully Launched July 8," FBIS-TAC-97-189. [2] Interfax, 8 July 1997; in "Further
on Launch of Topol-M Missile," FBIS-TAC-97-189. [3] Interfax, 9 July 1997; in "Topol-M
Missile Fragments Fall Near Village Reservoir," FBIS-TAC-97-190.{Entered
7/23/98 FW}
6/10/97: SS-19 ICBM LAUNCHED FROM BAYKONUR On 10 June 1997, a Russian Strategic Rocket Forces
(SRF) crew successfully launched an SS-19 (Russian designation RS-18) ICBM
from the Baykonur test site. According to Acting Commander in Chief
of the SRF General Colonel Vladimir Yakovlev, the test was part of a program
"to confirm the preservation of the tactical and technical characteristics
of rockets of this class (modification) with the goal of the possible extension
of their guaranteed service life." The SS-19 had been on combat alert
in an SRF unit "for many years" prior to the launch. All of the missile's
test warheads reportedly impacted in the target region near the Kamchatka
peninsula.
[Ilshat Baychurin, "Raketchiki vnov
podtverdili nadezhnost yadernogo shchita Rossii," Krasnaya zvezda,
11 June 1997, p. 1.]{Entered 10/15/97 jl}
4/17/97: SS-18 ICBM LAUNCHED FROM BAYKONUR On 17 April 1997, a Russian Strategic Rocket Forces
(SRF) crew launched an SS-18 (Russian designation RS-20) ICBM from the
Baykonur test site in Kazakhstan. The test was reported as successful,
with the ICBM's ten (inert) warheads landing in the target region off the
Kamchatka peninsula. The test was notable for using an SS-18 that
had been in service with the SRF for approximately twenty years.
According to SRF Commander in Chief Army General Igor Sergeyev, the launch
showed the ability to maintain the SS-18 ICBM's combat readiness and indicated
the possibility of extending the missile's service life. Sergeyev
also noted the contribution of industry representatives to the test launch.
(Editor's Note: The SS-18 was produced in Ukraine at the Pivdenmash
(Yuzhmash) missile plant. It is uncertain whether Ukrainian
missile experts were assisting with the launch.)
[Ilshat Baychurin, "Pervyy v 1997 godu
pusk MBR podtverdil nadezhnost raketno-yadernogo shchita Rossii," Krasnaya
zvezda, 15 April 1997, p. 1.]{Entered 10/15/97 jl}
11/29/96: RAIL-MOBILE SS-24 TEST LAUNCH FROM PLESETSK An SS-24 ICBM was successfully launched from a rail-mobile launcher at
the Plesetsk test site. The missile had been in service in the Strategic
Rocket Forces for more than ten years, according to Nezavisimaya gazeta.
The Monitor, citing Interfax, reported that it was the first launch
of a rail-mobile missile in six years.
Sources: [1] "Uspeshnyy pusk MBR zavershil programmu boyevoy podgotovki
v RVSN," NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA, 11/29/96, p. 2. [2] "Russians Test Railroad Strategic Missile," JAMESTOWN
FOUNDATION MONITOR, 12/2/96. {Entered 1/17/97 JL}
11/9/96: SS-25 (RS-12M) TEST LAUNCH FROM PLESETSK An SS-25 which had been in service for ten years was successfully launched
from the Plesetsk test site. According to Interfax, a spokesman for the
test center stated that, "All the 52 Topol launches after [the] state-supervised
flight tests have been successful."
[INTERFAX, 11/9/96, in "Troops Successfully Test RS-12M Topol
Missile at Plesetsk," FBIS-SOV-96-219, 11/13/96.] {Entered JL 11/15/96}
10/3/96: SS-25 (RS-12M) TOPOL LAUNCHED AS PART OF REDUT-96 EXERCISE An SS-25 (RS-12M) Topol was successfully launched from the Plesetsk test
site as part of the Redut strategic exercise, which also included SLBM
and ALCM launches. (See the entry in the Strategic C3 section for additional
information on Redut-96.)
Sources: [1] Aleksandr Dolinin, "'Topol' Nadezhen, kak sami RVSN,"
KRASNAYA ZVEZDA, 10/8/96, p. 1. [2] OMRI DAILY DIGEST, Part 1, 10/4/96. {Entered 11/15/96
JL}
7/25/96: THIRD TEST LAUNCH
OF TOPOL-M (SS-X-27) ICBM The third successful flight test
of the Topol-M took place on 7/25/96, when a test missile was launched
from a silo at the Plesetsk test range.[1] A reporter from Narodnaya
gazeta who visited the site before the launch reported that this was
the first launch from a silo configured similarly to that in which the
missile will be deployed. Since the missile is launched from a canister,
damage to the silo from the launch is said to be minimal. [2]
Sources: [1] "'Topol-M' Confirms Its Reliability," Krasnaya zvezda,
7/27/96, p. 1, in "Leaders Pleased With 'Topol-M' ICBM Test Launch," FBIS-SOV-96-147. [2] Galina Pyryeva, "Teach the Topol-M to Fly," Narodnaya
gazeta, 7/5/96, pp.1-2, in "Implications of Development of Topol-M,"
FBIS-UMA-96-145-S, 7/5/96.
6/6/96:SS-19 ICBM TESTED AT BAYKONUR A successful test of a Russian SS-19 ICBM took place at Baykonur cosmodrome,
ITAR-TASS reported. According to the chief of staff of the Russian Strategic
Rocket Forces, Colonel General Victor Yesin, the twenty-year-old missile
performed without any malfunction. All six warheads hit their designated
targets in the Kamchatka oblast. This was reportedly the 26th ICBM test
since 1991.
Sources: [1] "Pusk unikalnoy rakety," KRASNAYA ZVEZDA, 6/8/96, p.
1. [2] "Russia Conducts ICBM Test," OMRI DAILY DIGEST No. 111,
Part I, 06/07/96.
4/17/96:TOPOL ICBM TESTED The first 1996 test of an SS-25 Topol ICBM took place at Plesetsk.
[INTERFAX, 4/17/96.]
10/10/95: SS-25 TOPOL TEST IS SUCCESSFUL The Strategic Rocket Forces launched a SS-25 (RS-12M) Topol ICBM from the
Plesetsk launch site as part of a six-day command exercise which began
on 10/4/95 to test the technical reliability and readiness of its missile
systems. According to Colonel-General Igor Sergeyev, commander of the missile
forces, the missile successfully hit its target, and the exercises were
successfully completed. The exercises were led by General Mikhail Kolesnikov,
Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.
Sources: [1] ITAR-TASS, 10/10/95; in "Missile Forces Fire Inter-Continental
Ballistic Rocket," FBIS-SOV-95-196, 10/10/95. [2] INTERFAX, 10/4/95; in "Exercises On Controlling Strategic
Nuclear Forces Begin," FBIS-SOV-95-193, 10/4/95. [3] "Russia Begins Nuclear Forces Staff Exercise," EXECUTIVE
NEWS SERVICE, 10/4/95.
Page last updated 17 June 2004. This page is no longer being updated.
Please see the Strategic Forces General Developments
file for more recent developments.
Comments or questions? Contact Nikolai Sokov (nsokov@miis.edu) at MIIS
CNS.
This file is no longer
being updated. For more recent developments, please see the
